by Rebecca Hannant
Plans have been submitted to East Riding Council to convert two disused Hornsea buildings into new hospitality venues.
The first application relates to the former Promenade Residential Care Home on Marine Drive, which closed in 2024 due to difficulties meeting modern healthcare standards. Applicant Anne Whittard has proposed transforming the building into a ground-floor café and cocktail lounge, with three self-contained holiday rental units. The two upper floors would be converted into private residential accommodation.
The application also includes changes to the exterior, including the removal of two ground-floor windows and the installation of a new door for access to the café/lounge. A second door would provide separate access to the upper residential floors.
A second application, submitted by Lucien Eid, owner of nearby restaurant Lucien’s, proposes converting the former council offices in Newbegin into a restaurant and bar. Plans include a single-storey rear extension and outdoor seating areas to the front and rear.
The proposals have generated mixed reactions locally, with some residents welcoming new businesses, while others questioned the growing number of bars in the area.
One commenter on social media wrote: “Do we really need another bar in Hornsea?” while another said: “Going to be brilliant and one less unused building in town given a new lease of life.”
Others expressed hopes for a broader mix of independent businesses. One trader wrote: “Anything is better than an empty building going to ruin. What I’d love to see is a small shopping arcade – like a permanent indoor market, think Trinity Market on a smaller scale – so small local independent traders can have a permanent presence they rent or own. I don’t mean shelves in someone else’s shop (not that I’m criticising that – it’s just different). I’d love to be able to give my market book stall a permanent home in Hornsea, but right now I can’t afford a full shop of my own. Any developers interested? I’d sign up in a flash.”